Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer, a member of the club’s historic 1982 European Cup-winning side, has died at the age of 78.

Rimmer enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades, representing Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Swansea City. He also earned one senior England cap.

He began his senior career at Manchester United and was part of the squad that won the 1968 European Cup, although he remained on the bench during the final against Benfica.

Rimmer later joined Arsenal before moving to Aston Villa in 1977. He became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a key role in Villa’s 1980/81 First Division title-winning campaign.

The following season, Villa reached the European Cup final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam. Rimmer started the match but was forced off after just nine minutes with a neck injury. Nigel Spink replaced him and helped Villa secure a historic 1–0 victory, with Peter Withe scoring the winning goal.

Despite his early departure from the final, Rimmer received a second European Cup winners’ medal, having also been part of Manchester United’s 1968 triumph.

Aston Villa described Rimmer as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation and paid tribute to his contribution to the club’s most successful period.